Volkswagen Golf GTI Only $195 Over Previous Generation Base-Price

Consumers who want to get onboard with the 2015 Golf GTI models now have a price range to consider. And, buyers should be happy to find that base-price of the entry-level S trim is only $195 over the base-price of the previous generation two-door GTI.

The entry-level S trim starts at $24,395 (not including a $820 destination and handling charge) in two-door form with a six-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment has been upped, compared with the previous GTI. The following are standard equipment on the 2015 Golf GTI:

• Latest EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine offering 210 horsepower (up 10 hp) and 258 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 51 lb-ft)
• Driving mode selection feature
• VW Car-Net® connected services
• Touchscreen radio
• Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• Ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights
• LED foglights

Additional Features, Additional Costs

Two additional trim levels will be available for consumers, the SE and the Autobahn. Base-price for the SE is $27,395 (two-door with manual transmission), while the four-door Autobahn can be had for $29,595 with a manual transmission. All Golf GTI models can add a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic for an additional $1,100.

The Performance Package will be available later this year. For $1,495, buyers can get larger brakes, a torque-sensing electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, and a 10 horsepower boost over the regular GTI. At a later date, Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping system will also be available on the SE and Autobahn models with the Performance Package (and one would assume an increased price on the package, tho’ none was indicated today).

This seventh generation of the VW Golf GTI is predicted by Volkswagen to have an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 34 mpg for the manual transmission—three higher than its predecessor. So, surprisingly for all consumers no doubt, the 2015 model is actually bigger and more spacious than the car that it will replace, but it is also lighter and more fuel-efficient.

The seventh-generation Golf GTI will go on sale as a 2015 model in June. It will be built at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico factory.